News presenter Sandra Sully.

The news presenter on unique souvenirs, travelling by boat, and her love for New Zealand.

Aside from a quick trip to Southeast Asia when I was 18 with my twin sister and a girlfriend, my first big trip was as an exchange student to the United States, where I lived for nearly two years. I was initially based at university in Pennsylvania, then worked at a sailing camp at Cape Cod, followed by a year in Chicago before making my way home, via California and Canada.

My fondest memories are of our family beach holidays, which were an annual event. Growing up in Brisbane meant the early years were at the Sunshine Coast, around Maroochydore, then it was always the Gold Coast. My dad once won a very small car in a lottery, which paid for our family of six to travel to Fiji on a cruise. I was about 11 and was given free rein on the ship – it was so much fun: swimming all day and dancing till late.

It’s always hard to narrow down, but my favourite country to visit has to be Italy. I think culturally we share a very similar approach to life, where family, fun and sun come first. I love Italian cuisine for its simplicity and flavour, and the satisfaction and comfort it provides.

Travelling opens up your mind, helps you find perspective and takes you out of your comfort zone. Travel provides the trigger to switch off, digitally detox and reflect on what matters.

I haven’t had the chance to see much of Eastern Europe, and another African safari is a must. I like to mix it up a bit, but I do prefer to relax while travelling. Sightseeing peppered around lazy days.

I’m not mad on buying trinkets, but while on holiday I do look for small and unique pieces that I can bring home and treasure. For example, three small glass elephants whose tails and trunks link like a family. It reminds me of mine.

If I didn’t live in Australia I’d definitely live in New Zealand. I love the people, the landscape and their rather Zen approach to life. My husband and I have fallen in love with New Zealand and have spent a lot of time there. I think many Australians don’t realise just how beautiful it is, and it’s right on our doorstep.

I’m not a huge fan of airports, apart from the fact that it denotes the start of a holiday. My favourite way to travel is by boat, but it has to be the right boat. I once went on a boutique cruise from Singapore to Burma, which was amazing. Travelling by boat is like a walk back in time. Slowly navigating up the Irawaddy delta for hours until reaching port was one of my most memorable sojourns – so tranquil, majestic and beautiful.

Sandra Sully is a news presenter and reporter for 10 News First.

Just back from... New Zealand for two weeks over Christmas.

Next up... Fiji for a friend’s 50th, as well as my wedding anniversary. I might also try to visit Tokyo for this year’s Olympics.